Back to Cambodia 5/27
Some children we encountered on the drive back to Phnom Penh from Saigon — the girl was on a scooter with her father, who drove, and her older brother, who sat behind his dad.
After returning to Phnom Penh from Saigon Saturday we had time for one last visit with some Cambodian friends we met the previous Sunday, plus some new ones. However, the circumstances under which we met were much different. We winded our way down city alleys to reach the location where church members were holding a small-group meeting, in the slums of the city.
Driving through Phnom Penh to visit the church’s small group
The rain was heavy earlier in the day, so from our parked vehicle we plodded about 50 yards through some muddy spots. We reached the flat, and walked up the outside stairs, removed our shoes, and stepped inside. The sun was setting, and I can only remember seeing one window, so almost all the illumination came from that, the open door, and some candlelight. About 20 adults ? all but three were women ? and 3 or 4 small children sat in a circle on a rolled-out carpet that had been laid over the wood plank floor. We sat down at the far end of the room, greeted by smiles.
The feeling of the place is not describable by words. Just about all the belongings of the family who lived in this place were in this one room. Yet this is perhaps where we sensed God’s presence the greatest. We each spoke briefly, not saying much, because in our weary and awed state we were almost speechless. Just some basic greetings. As we were leaving, Pastor Vibol asked us to walk around and lay hands on everybody, and pray for each of them individually. Everyone bowed their heads as the three of us walked around placing our hands on their shoulders, petitioning God on their behalf. It was a truly humbling experience.
Small group meeting took place in home on far left of these three (above)
Another home in the neighborhood
What I discovered was, it is possible to simultaneously have a heavy heart for those who have so much less than you materially, yet feel exuberance over their deep, deep love for, and dependence upon, the Lord. If you want to understand that, I think you just have to go.
